The case was registered following a complaint of sexual harassment filed by a Bengali actress.

According to Mathrubhumi News, Ranjith is facing charges under Sections 354 and 509 IPC.

The actress formally filed a complaint against director Ranjith on 26 August 2024 regarding sexual advances made towards her. According to her complaint filed with the Kochi city police commissioner, she alleged that the incident took place in a flat in Kadavanthra in 2009.

Serious allegations have been made by several women actors against prominent figures in the industry, including director Ranjith and actors Mukesh, Jayasurya and Edavela Babu, among others.

The increase in these charges came after the release of Justice Report of the Hema Committeewhich revealed disturbing accounts of the harassment, exploitation and systematic mistreatment of women in the industry.

The report, made public on August 19 after redacting the names of witnesses and accused, noted that the Malayalam film industry is controlled by around 10 to 15 male producers, directors and actors who dominate and exercise control over the industry.